[Iran Press TV] A senior army official in Ivory Coast has accused the United Nations, aka the Oyster Bay Chowder and Marching Society of backing post-election violence and festivities in the West African country.| I am only modestly surprised that the US wasn't blamed. Or the Joooz ... |
"General Philippe Mangou, chief of army staff and head of all defense and security forces, holds Mr. Choi responsible for the unpredictable consequences that could result from these planned actions," the officer said in a statement on Tuesday.
On Sunday, the camp of incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo also accused Western diplomats of trying to turn the country's military against him.
President Gbagbo, who is under pressure to step down, accused the US-led western countries of meddling in Ivory Coast's internal affairs.
"For several days, civil and military members of certain Western chancelleries in Abidjan have discreetly approached senior officers in our national army," AFP quoted newly-named Interior Minister Emile Guirieoulou as saying.
Tensions are running high in Ivory Coast following a disputed presidential election last month.
Ouattara, who has been recognized as the winner by the UN, is asking the public to help him seize control of key government offices.
His rival Gbagbo, however, has also declared himself president, keeping the command of the army and ministries.
In the central town of Tiebissou, pro-Gbagbo security forces fired tear gas to disperse Ouattara's supporters. Ouattara himself is now holed up in a hotel in the capital where he is protected by UN forces.
His party has urged citizens to march on state broadcaster RTI on Thursday and the cabinet on Friday.
The ongoing political crisis is mounting in Ivory Coast as both men claiming presidency have so far failed to resolve the bitter standoff over who should hold the post.
The country's 10-year President Gbagbo has expressed readiness to sit down and talk.
Ouattara, however, said he would not negotiate unless Gbagbo stepped down from office and respected the will of the Ivorian nation and the international community.
The disputed presidential election has raised the risk of a long power struggle in the country. The world's top cocoa-producing nation is still reeling from the 2002-2003 civil war, which split the West African country in two.